Photographer captures Lake Fire’s beauty

In Morongo Valley one man is watching the fire’s progress through his camera lens, documenting its approach from his home on the hill.

“This is the furthest eastward progression it’s made and that is on the move,” said Ron Morgan.

For a week now, Morgan has been picking up his camera and pointing at the view from his Morongo Valley back porch.

“Smoke was coming up over the horizon, I took some photographs of the sun glowing on it. I knew it wasn’t good news,” said Morgan.

Having lived through the Paradise fire and Sawtooth Complex fire, Morgan knows how quickly the situation can change.

“Sure enough a firestorm came up and raced toward Pioneertown. That’s when half my land got burned, so you can get an unpredictable firestorm and these things can get out of hand. So of course there is great concern,” said Morgan.

Morgan said he’s using his photography as a way to keep a close eye on the lake fire’s progress.

“I felt pretty good about it yesterday, but then last night it was glowing and then this morning there is some wind up there and it’s taken off. This is the furthest eastward progression that I have noticed of the fire so far,” said Morgan.

“I know they are dangerous and they are unpredictable and they can come our way and destroy our homes and lives here in the valley,” said Morgan.

Even as the smoke billows up, the flames are still at a safe distance away from Morgan’s home.

“I do feel we are more protected in the desert. We have less vegetation,” said Morgan.

“Sometimes it looks like it’s a worst-case scenarios and other times it looks like they are getting it under control but it depends on the wind,” said Morgan.

While most people see mother nature’s fury, Morgan sees its beauty.

“It’s a phenomenon that I would like to photograph,” said Morgan.

Ron Morgan’s Lake Fire photos